Novel Square
I’m expecting more from you
“Alright! We have come to the end of this segment for today! How you all had fun while creating your masterpiece,” the host chuckled as the second alarm went off, signalling the end of the sewing segment. The group of seamsters and seamstresses walked out of their workspace, some looking tired and others looking relaxed and calm.
Those whose work was not completed felt a chill down their spine and those who were able to complete it in time let out a sigh of relief.
Everyone stood by their workspace in anticipation of the judges’ criticism and observations. “Display your end products please,” Ivan, the first judge announced and the representatives brought out their mannequins.
Starting from the first team, the judges began to inspect their sewing works. “I appreciated the effort put into this piece. Your technique shows your familiarity with your work. However, probably due to the pressure you were under, your stitches are quite sloppy and unattractive and the fabric you picked is not suitable for your design, the fabrics made this design look boring and plain,” Priya another judge started speaking on behalf of all the judges.
“Your cutting technique is clean and there isn’t an excessive waste of the fabrics. For that, you get 7 points. You have to understand that the stitching is very important to the overall outcome of your piece, it not only holds it together, but it also makes it more fashionable and appealing to the eyes,” she added and moved to the next group.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
“Group three” he called out and gave a nod of approval, “I like your choice of fabrics, it goes perfectly well with your chosen design. As a seamster or a seamstress, knowing what fabrics go well with what design is a great skill to have, that way, you will always please your buyers. Your stitches are also on point, however, your piece does not go well with your model.” Ivan stated
“It is a little bigger than it should be and it would not fit properly. For that, you’ll get a 6. The stitch or the fabric would not matter if the outfit does not fit your clients.” He explained and the lady nodded, taking note of his observations.
Ivan moved to group four and stopped, his eyes raking through the mannequin for a brief seconds, his hands touched the fabrics and then he did another double-take of the work before looking at Avon and continuing to the next group, leaving the onlookers confused.
Despite this Avon remained calm and unmoved. “Group six. I know you, Miss Evie Thompson. We met on several occasions and compared to those times, I am quite disappointed in your performance today” Ivan declared with a creased brow as he looked over her unfinished piece, “Throughout the cutting and sewing process, your hands were shaking just like a newbie’s. For someone who has been hailed as the talent of this generation, I’m unimpressed by your performance today” he voiced.
“Your thread on the fabric is mismatched, your stitches are messy and then the fabric laying doesn’t do the design any justice. You cut the fabric in the wrong direction that would fit the design you are working on. Your display today is worse than that of an amateur.” He continued.
Avon held back his snicker and continued looking forward as if he wasn’t ridiculing her in his mind. He wanted to gloat about their team snatching the fabrics from their team but still wasn’t able to make use of its full potential.
“I’m truly disappointed in you and I hope your next performance will be better. And for this segment, you get a 5.” Ivan announced. Evie bowed her head in shame, unable to look up at the other representatives. She could feel their ridicule and their judgement seeping into her veins.
Ivan has always been known for his bluntness and the inability to hold back or be polite with his criticism, she could even be considered lucky today that he hadn’t insulted her.
Ivan went back to Avon and then looked down at the short guy, “My ears have almost bled out from listening to Fred compliment the designer of group four. And in all honestly, I’ve been looking forward to seeing if the rest of the team would be able to match up to a young designer recognised by Fred, I’m not disappointed in what I saw today” he voiced and Avon let out a sigh he wasn’t aware he had been holding.
“Let’s start with the choice of fabrics, your choice goes well with the design chosen. It was just as if both designs were made with the fabric in mind. Your use of the fabric was perfect, with no excessive cutting, and no mismatching. Your attention to detail is incredible. I heard Gregor took in a discipline, are you the one? Because you display some of his unique techniques while working” Ivan asked.
“Gregor is my older brother” Avon replied and Ivan raised his brow before smiling, “Well, that explains it. I’m expecting more from you in the next stage. I’m sure that perfectionists would also want to see you perform better. I’m giving you nine points for this stage. Your mannequin technique was good but you can’t use it in a situation where you have lots of things to do” he explained.
“Thank you, sir!” Avon bowed and smiled.
“For those of you whose piece wasn’t finished, we will deduct your points accordingly and you’ll be given Extra time to make amends and complete your work. And for those of you who think your work is perfect, you are free to leave and we will meet here next week” He announced, dismissing the segment.
Evie bit her lips and glared towards Avon’s direction. Her eyes flashed with a mischievous glint before walking back into her workspace. “They can’t be left alone for long. If we continue like this, their group will win the show’s crown!” She muttered, careful not to raise her voice, afraid that the camera would hear words. “They have to be crushed early”